The Best Music Festivals to Experience on Vacation (and What to Explore Nearby)

Music festivals are incredible, but they also provide the perfect excuse to explore their surrounding regions. Here’s a guide to six of the best music festivals worldwide, with a glimpse into their unique atmosphere and what you can do during a 2-3 week trip.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

• Where: Indio, California, USA
• When: April
• Vibe: A global icon of music festivals, Coachella offers a mix of genres, from pop and indie to hip-hop and electronic, all set against stunning art installations. It’s a fashion-forward, celebrity-studded event with a vibrant desert party vibe.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Joshua Tree National Park: Just a short drive from Indio, explore the stunning desert landscapes, hike unique trails, and stargaze under clear night skies.
• Los Angeles: Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and dive into LA’s vibrant food scene.
• Death Valley National Park: Discover the hottest place on Earth with its salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful canyons.
• Las Vegas: Only a four-hour drive away, Las Vegas offers world-class entertainment, casinos, and nightlife.

Fuji Rock Festival

• Where: Naeba, Niigata, Japan
• When: Late July
• Vibe: Set in the Japanese Alps, Fuji Rock blends international headliners with local artists across genres like rock, pop, and electronic. The festival’s eco-conscious approach and serene mountain backdrop create a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Tokyo: Begin or end your journey in Japan’s bustling capital. Explore iconic attractions like Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa Temple.
• Hakone: Relax in hot springs (onsen) and enjoy views of Mount Fuji. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic vistas.
• Nikko: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is home to ornate shrines and waterfalls nestled in lush forests.
• The Japanese Alps: Extend your time in the mountains with hikes or visits to picturesque villages like Takayama and Shirakawa-go.

Glastonbury Festival

• Where: Pilton, England
• When: June
• Vibe: Known for its eclectic mix of music, from rock and pop to electronic and folk, Glastonbury is more than a festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its diverse areas, from the mystical Green Fields to the vibrant Shangri-La, offer something for everyone.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Stonehenge: A short drive from Pilton, this prehistoric monument is one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
• Bath: Explore Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and boutique shopping in this elegant city.
• Cotswolds: Wander through picturesque villages with thatched-roof cottages and rolling hills.
• London: Only two hours away, London offers iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.

Tomorrowland

• Where: Boom, Belgium
• When: July
• Vibe: The ultimate festival for electronic music fans, Tomorrowland is known for its extravagant stage designs, fairy-tale ambiance, and global community of music lovers. Expect top-tier DJs and non-stop energy.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Brussels: Visit the Grand Place, Atomium, and indulge in Belgian waffles, chocolate, and beer.
• Antwerp: Discover this vibrant city’s fashion, art, and nightlife, along with its iconic cathedral.
• Bruges: A fairytale city with canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval charm, perfect for a day trip.
• Amsterdam (Netherlands): Just two hours away, enjoy the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and canal tours.

Igloofest

• Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• When: January-February
• Vibe: This outdoor electronic music festival combines pulsating beats with freezing temperatures. Held in the Old Port, Igloofest is known for its glowing light installations, lively crowd, and unique winter activities.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Laurentides: Go dog sledding or snowshoeing in this picturesque region just north of Montreal.
• Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie: Explore breathtaking frozen landscapes on foot or snowshoes.
• Quebec City: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site for its European charm, ice hotels, and Winter Carnival (if your timing aligns).
• Montreal: Discover Old Montreal, enjoy the local food scene, and relax at Nordic spas like Bota Bota.

Rock in Rio

• Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• When: September
• Vibe: One of the world’s largest music festivals, Rock in Rio offers an eclectic lineup of rock, pop, and Brazilian music in a vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere. It’s an energetic celebration of music and culture.

Things to Do During Your Trip:

• Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain: See breathtaking views of the city from these iconic landmarks.
• Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches: Relax on Rio’s world-famous beaches.
• Tijuca National Park: Hike through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the world’s largest urban forest.
• Paraty: Visit this charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, surrounded by pristine beaches and islands.

Conclusion

These festivals are not just about the music—they’re gateways to incredible destinations that offer endless opportunities for exploration. From the deserts of California to the beaches of Brazil, these festivals and their surroundings promise unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and let the music guide your adventure!